Folan and Hunt back in Irish squad

Updated: Friday, 05 Nov 2010 16:05

Caleb Folan is back in contention
Birkenhead born Jonathan Walters gets his first senior call up

Caleb Folan, Marc Wilson and Stephen Hunt are amongst those named in Giovanni Trapattoni’s preliminary Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming friendly against Norway.

Trapattoni has chosen 27 players from which a final squad will be selected for the match on 17 November in the Aviva Stadium, kick off 7:45pm.

Wolves midfielder Hunt has only just returned to action for his new club following a foot injury, but is on course to win his first cap since playing in the infamous World Cup play-off second leg match against France in Paris.

Also back in the fold is Hull forward Folan, although he is struggling with a leg injury having only just returned to action because of a previous problem, while Stoke's Marc Wilson and Preston's Keith Treacy come in.

Wilson's Potters team-mate, Jonathan Walters, has been given his first international call-up.

Aston Villa's Ciaran Clarke has not been called up despite declaring his desire to play for the Republic.

Everton's Seamus Coleman has kept his place in the panel after being brought in as cover for the qualifiers and he could make his first senior appearance.

Trapattoni said: ‘This friendly is a good opportunity to bring some players that we have not seen much of into the squad. It is their chance to show me what they can contribute to the team.

‘Friendlies are extremely important for us to continue to build the strongest squad possible for the Euro qualifiers.’

Preliminary Republic of Ireland squad for friendly international against Norway at the Aviva Stadium, 17 November, 7.45pm: